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Budget tripod for scarlet

S

Scott Talbot

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Hey everyone,

I'm looking to get a tripod for a scarlet kit. I don't know the weight, but it won't have a mattebox or cine lense. Pretty basic. I've been looking at a few and I wanted to know what everyone thought. I'm trying to keep it under $1k.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601879-REG/Sachtler_0372_0372_FSB_4_Aluminum_Tripod.html
My friend uses this tripod and he said ignore the load capacity. That seems like a big risk and possibly stupid idea right?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/683639-REG/Manfrotto_504HD_504HD_Head_w_536_3_Stage.html
This is what I'm leaning towards but I'm afraid to do the single sticks... even though from my experience, I like them.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...to_504HD_546BK_504HD_Head_w_546B_2_Stage.html
I'm wondering what people think about this setup. Seems like a good option.

Any other suggestions or thoughts?

Thank you!
 
I won´t buy the 546 once more, we did not use it much but it had already started giving us trouble. The 536 carbon sticks are lightweight and working well - much more in use here and no sign of wear. If you can afford it you might be better served with the 509HD head though. I know there are a lot of Manfrotto haters around here, but budgetwise you have to admit this is OK.

Cheers, Ulf
 
Go for Sachtler. It's an entry level but anyway better. Good luck!

Edit: If you plan to use naked Scarlet with light DSLR lens...
 
Last edited:
That FSB 4 Sachtler is way below in requirements.

The closest is the FSB 8 and even that with a fully kitted EPIC/Scarlet was scary to handle.
 
Manfrotto 536+509 here too. Like it a lot. Legs are safe and stable, even when fully extended. I'm using it with a Scarlet + Quad-Module and a 70-200 without problems.
 
Was wondering about the underside of the head. It works on the tripod, but what happens if you use it with a ground plate or a dolly where the long underside would get stuck? Are there any screws that isn't that long?
 

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Serge Tsipis said:
Go for Sachtler. It's an entry level but anyway better. Good luck!

Edit: If you plan to use naked Scarlet with light DSLR lens...
Click to expand...

I far prefer Sachtler to Manfrotto. I have a pair of FSB8 tripods for lightweight work (DSLR lenses, GH4), a DV18 SB2 for medium-weight work (Cabrio 19-90 zoom), and a Cine 30HD for my heavy lens (Fujinon Premier 24-180 T2.6). I also have a Manfrotto head for my Cinevate slider, but I so dislike the head that I rarely use the slider.
 
Christoffer Glans said:
Was wondering about the underside of the head. It works on the tripod, but what happens if you use it with a ground plate or a dolly where the long underside would get stuck? Are there any screws that isn't that long?
Click to expand...

Pretty sure you can unscrew the bowl adapter from the head itself.
 
Michael Tiemann said:
I far prefer Sachtler to Manfrotto. I have a pair of FSB8 tripods for lightweight work (DSLR lenses, GH4), a DV18 SB2 for medium-weight work (Cabrio 19-90 zoom), and a Cine 30HD for my heavy lens (Fujinon Premier 24-180 T2.6). I also have a Manfrotto head for my Cinevate slider, but I so dislike the head that I rarely use the slider.
Click to expand...


Sachtler is much more expensive than the Manfrotto. Of course I prefer Sachtler and I also prefer O'connor over anything, but this is a question of budget and you won't get a budget head that can carry over 15kg from Sachtler without paying a lot.

Jarek Zabczynski said:
Pretty sure you can unscrew the bowl adapter from the head itself.
Click to expand...



But I need to attatch it to the ground plate or dolly, how can I do it if it's unscrewed? I'm talking about a regular screw like on the O'connor head.
 
Btw, just wanted to add a quick side note that if anybody is looking to get cheap, decent legs for a Manfrotto head, I have the Manfrotto 546b mid-spreader legs for sale in the 3rd party gear forum.
 
While we are on it, any hints for a smaller lighter (than the 536+509 combo) tripod+head, just for a basic setup?

Did anyone try manfrotto's 502 head?
 
Mike P. said:
Christopher, he means you can unscrew that handle, and replace it with a traditional "puck" style one.
Click to expand...

Alright, is that included in the package? What's the dimension of the "ball"?
 
Christoffer Glans said:
Alright, is that included in the package? What's the dimension of the "ball"?
Click to expand...

100 mm and no, the compact screw is not included - but very easy and cheap to buy...

I also want to add another voice for Manfrotto. You'll be fine with the 504HD, but like other have recommended - get the 509HD if you can. That is what I use + the 546 low spreader sticks. 4 years now and going strong. Mud, beach, snow, water, dust - you name it...
Just clean it well after working in dirty environment and you will be fine...

:sifone: Peter
 
Christoffer Glans said:
Was wondering about the underside of the head. It works on the tripod, but what happens if you use it with a ground plate or a dolly where the long underside would get stuck? Are there any screws that isn't that long?
Click to expand...

I went to a hardware store and bought a butterfly nut and a steel washer and it worked perfectly on a track dolly.
 
Christoffer Glans said:
Was wondering about the underside of the head. It works on the tripod, but what happens if you use it with a ground plate or a dolly where the long underside would get stuck? Are there any screws that isn't that long?
Click to expand...

I cut a quarter of the lever on an older 505 for high hat. Works fine.
 
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